Just when you get to thinking that maybe your own party had cornered the market on career-ending stupidity, along comes a cheering reminder that when a Tory decides to fuck up their political career then boy do they do it in style…

Tory in woman sex sale attempt

A West Bromwich councillor has admitted trying to sell a woman for sex.

Councillor Alan Burkitt, Tory member for the Charlemont ward, has been suspended by his party following his arrest on Sunday.

He was kept in custody overnight at West Bromwich police station and released on bail Monday afternoon pending further inquiries.

Councillor Burkitt, former deputy leader of the Tory group on Sandwell Council, told the Express & Star that the matter concerned only one woman and claimed that she was consenting.

He said: “I realise what I did was still illegal but it was consented to. She is denying it. She’s saying I made her do it. I do not accept that and shall be vehemently defending myself.”

Councillor Karen Bissell, Tory group leader, said he was suspended with immediate effect.

Councillor Burkitt was elected as a Liberal Democrat in 1996. Within three years he had defected to the Tories.

In 2002 it was revealed he owed more than £1,000 in rent and council tax on his flat in Beaconview Road, where he was arrested.

The 47-year-old former housing adviser has been unemployed for about three years.

What I particularly like about this story is that it contains what has to be one of least effective exculpatory statement in history:

“I realise what I did was still illegal but it was consented to. She is denying it. She’s saying I made her do it. I do not accept that and shall be vehemently defending myself.”

Sorry?

So if she consented to being sold for sex its, what, not quite so bad?

Well that’s alright then isn’t it?

Apropos of recent debates about the Standards Board, am I right in thinking that councillors are under a public duty to report acts of misconduct, such as bringing your office into disrepute? So will that be 71 separate complaints from Sandwell councillors or just the one, with 71 signatures?

BTW - it’s International Women’s Day, today - just thought I’d mention that for Councillor Burkitt’s benefit.